Semiconductor device, power supply control method of semiconductor device, and sensor node

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor device includes a current control unit whose conductance is variable and a control unit configured to control the conductance of the current control unit. The current control unit is connected to a direct current power source in parallel with a load for the direct current power source, through a capacitor. The control unit sets the current control unit to a first conductance when the direct current power source and the load are not in a conduction state, and sets the current control unit to a second conductance larger than the first conductance when the direct current power source and the load are in the conduction state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is based upon and claims the benefit of thepriority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-077960 (filed on Mar.29, 2012), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a power supplycontrol method of the semiconductor device, and a sensor node. Morespecifically, the invention relates to a semiconductor device thatreceives power supply from a direct current power source, a power supplycontrol method of the semiconductor device, and a sensor node.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, a sensor node including in its inside a temperaturesensor, a moisture sensor, or a human sensor configured to detect thepresence of a human is often installed in a house or an office. Such asensor node is essential for achieving a more comfortable lifeenvironment. The sensor nodes distributed and disposed in a house or thelike can transmit and receive data with a host device for the sensornodes by wireless communication. The host device performs unifiedmanagement of environmental information on the house or the like, anduses the environmental information for control of lighting, airconditioning, and the like. Alternatively, it is also possible toconstruct a security system when the sensor node including the humansensor is used.

Each sensor node is not necessarily disposed in a location in thevicinity of an electrical outlet. Thus, a direct current power sourcesuch as a battery or a button battery is often used as a power source.Further, since the sensor node is installed in order to obtain theenvironmental information on the house or the like, the sensor noderepeats an operation of transmitting data on temperature, moisture, orthe like to the host device at a constant cycle. Further, since thesensor node is not disposed for a purpose such as interior decoration,and is often installed in an out-of-sight place. For that reason, alarge amount of cost (maintenance cost) is needed to replace the batteryof the sensor node. Thus, a sensor node that does need batteryreplacement as little as possible is demanded. That is, a sensor node,in which the service life of the battery is increased, is demanded. Morespecifically, the service life of the battery in units of year isdesired in order to reduce the maintenance cost for charging orreplacement of the battery.

Then, various technologies for reducing power consumption of the sensornode are present. To take an example, in a period except when the sensormode is operated to obtain and transmit the environmental information,transition to a sleep mode is made. In the sleep mode, only a minimumfunction is activated, and the other functions are stopped.

Patent Literatures (PTLs) 1 and 2 each discloses a technology forsuppressing a peak of a current to be consumed by a wirelesscommunication device by operating modules included in the wirelesscommunication device in a predetermined order.

Patent Literature 3 discloses a power supply device in which a batteryand a capacitor are disposed in parallel to suppress a peak of a currentto be supplied to a load.

[PTL 1]

JP Patent Kokai Publication No. JP2007-243933A

[PTL 2]

JP Patent Kokai Publication No. JP2007-079669A

[PTL 3]

JP Patent Kohyo Publication No. JP2008-529177A

SUMMARY

Each disclosure of the prior art literatures is incorporated herein byreference. The following is an analysis given by the inventors of thepresent invention.

As described above, the sensor node often repeats transitioning to thesleep mode and returning to a normal operation mode (active mode) inorder to reduce power consumption. However, when the sensor node returnsto the active mode from the sleep mode, a large current is needed foractivating (starting) each module. Consequently, when the sensor nodereturns to the active mode from the sleep mode, an inrush current (peakcurrent) larger than a stationary current is generated. When the sensornode frequently repeats transitioning to the sleep mode and returning tothe active mode so as to reduce power consumption of the sensor node, anopportunity of generation of the peak current increases.

The maximum value of an output current is prescribed in detail accordingto the type of the battery (direct current power source). To take anexample, when the battery is a lithium primary battery in the shape of abutton, a maximum current value is on the order of several dozen mA. Thebattery must be used within a range in conformity with this maximumcurrent value. Further, even if the maximum current value has not beenreached, the discharge capacity of the battery may be reduced when themaximum value of the output current is large.

Further, study of the inventors has revealed that, when the peak currentis frequently generated, the service life of the battery is adverselyaffected. More specifically, the study of the inventors has revealedthat, when the lithium primary battery is used as the direct currentpower source, a dendrite crystal is deposited on the electrode of thelithium primary battery to remarkably reduce the service life of thelithium primary battery. That is, when an excessive peak current flowsthrough the direct current power source, the direct current power sourcedeteriorates. As described above, in a semiconductor device using thedirect current power source, there is a problem that, when powerconsumption of the semiconductor device is to be reduced, the directcurrent power source deteriorates.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda semiconductor device, includes: a current control unit whoseconductance is variable; and a control unit configured to control theconductance of the current control unit. The current control unit isconnected to a direct current power source in parallel with a load forthe direct current power source, through a capacitor. The control unitsets the current control unit to a first conductance when the directcurrent power source and the load are not in a conduction state. Thecontrol unit sets the current control unit to a second conductancelarger than the first conductance when the direct current power sourceand the load are in the conduction state.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply control method of a semiconductor device including acurrent control unit connected to a direct current power source inparallel with a load for the direct current source, through a capacitor,a conductance of the current control unit being variable, the powersupply control method including: setting the current control unit to afirst conductance, thereby starting charging of the capacitor; andsetting the current control unit to a second conductance when the directcurrent source and the load are conducted, thereby starting dischargingof the capacitor.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda power supply control method of a semiconductor device including acurrent control unit connected to a direct current power source inparallel with a load for the direct current source, through a capacitor,a conductance of the current control unit being variable, the powersupply control method including the steps of: setting the currentcontrol unit to the first conductance, thereby starting charging of thecapacitor; and setting the current control unit to the secondconductance when the direct current source and the load are conducted,thereby starting discharging of the capacitor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is aprovided a sensor node including: the semiconductor device according tothe first aspect mentioned above; a direct current power source; avoltage converter configured to convert a voltage output by the directcurrent power source and supply the converted voltage to thesemiconductor device; and a sensor module including a sensor configuredto detect an external environmental condition.

According to each aspect of the present invention, there are providedthe semiconductor device, the power supply control method of thesemiconductor device, and the sensor node that contribute to suppressionof deterioration of the direct current power source while reducing powerconsumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of asemiconductor device 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of apower supply region.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operations of thesemiconductor device 1.

FIG. 5 includes graphs showing an example of a voltage and currents whenthe semiconductor device 1 returns to an active mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of acurrent control unit 31 associated with a plurality of capacitors.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of asemiconductor device 1 a.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of asemiconductor device 1 b.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of asemiconductor device 1 c.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration ofa semiconductor device 1 d.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration ofa semiconductor device 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration ofa semiconductor device 6 according to a third exemplary embodiment.

PREFERRED MODES

First, an overview of an exemplary embodiment will be described usingFIG. 1. A reference sign in the drawing appended to this overview isgiven to each element for convenience, as an example for helpingunderstanding, and the description of this overview does not intend toimpose any limitation.

In order to reduce power consumption of a semiconductor device, acircuit (load as seen from a direct current power source) forimplementing a function of the semiconductor device needs to beinactivated and transition to a sleep mode needs to be made. However,when transition from the sleep mode to an active mode is repeated,inactivation and activation of the circuit that serves as the load isrepeated. An opportunity of generation of a peak current in the directcurrent power source therefore increases. The direct current powersource thereby deteriorates. A semiconductor device is therefore desiredin which deterioration of the direct current power source is suppressedwhile reducing power consumption of the semiconductor device.

Then, a semiconductor device 300 shown in FIG. 1 is provided, as anexample. The semiconductor device 300 includes a current control unit301 whose conductance is variable and a control unit 302 configured tocontrol the conductance of the current control unit 301. The currentcontrol unit 301 is connected to a direct current power source inparallel with a load for the direct current power source, through acapacitor. When the direct current power source and the load are not ina conduction state, the control unit 302 sets the current control unit301 to a first conductance. When the direct current power source and theload are in the conduction state, the control unit 302 sets the currentcontrol unit 301 to a second conductance larger than the firstconductance.

The semiconductor device 300 operates by the direct current powersource. For that reason, the control unit 302 included in thesemiconductor device 300 cannot control a current supply capability(generation of a peak current) of the direct current power source. Then,the capacitor is provided as a virtual power source that can becontrolled by the control unit 302. Current supply of the direct currentsource is assisted by freely controlling charging and discharging ofthis capacitor by the control unit 302. More specifically, the controlunit 302 grasps a timing of conduction between the direct current powersource and the load. Such a timing is also a timing of generation of thepeak current. Then, when the control unit 302 determines that the peakcurrent is to be generated in the direct current power source byconduction between the direct current power source and the load, thecontrol unit 302 discharges the capacitor that has been charged inadvance to assist the current supply of the direct current power source,thereby suppressing generation of the peak current. The capacitor ischarged in a state where the direct current power source and the loadare not in the conduction state. The semiconductor device 300 controlscharging and discharging of the capacitor according to thecharacteristic of the load seen from the direct current power source,thereby reducing the peak current and suppressing deterioration of thedirect current power source.

The semiconductor device 300 sets the current control unit 301 to thefirst conductance in the state where the direct current power source andthe load are not in the conduction state (when charging the capacitor).On the other hand, when the direct current power source and the load areconducted, the semiconductor device 300 sets the current control unit301 to the second conductance. The first conductance is designed to be asmall value not to increase the peak current of the direct current powersource when the capacitor is charged. On the other hand, the secondconductance is designed to be a large value so as to increase thedischarging capability of the capacitor when the capacitor isdischarged. The direct current power source and the load are conductedin a state where the discharging capability of the capacitor is enhancedin this manner. As a result, most of a transient current necessary foractivating the circuit that serves as the load is supplied by thecapacitor that has been charged. The peak current is thereby reduced, sothat deterioration of the direct current power source can be suppressed.

As described above, by switching the conductance of the current controlunit 301, a time constant is switched between when charging thecapacitor and when discharging the capacitor. As a result, thesemiconductor device 300 can be provided in which by transitioning tothe sleep mode, deterioration of the direct current power source issuppressed while reducing power consumption. The semiconductor device300 is suited for use as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) including afunctional module in its inside, a direct current power source controlapparatus, or the like.

Further, the following modes are possible.

[First Mode]

See the semiconductor device according to the first aspect describedabove.

[Second Mode]

Preferably, the second conductance is larger than a conductance of thedirect current power source.

[Third Mode]

Preferably, the control unit changes control over the current controlunit according to an electrical characteristic of the load.

[Fourth Mode]

Preferably, the current control unit is configured by including a firstMOS transistor and a second MOS transistor having a diving capabilityhigher than the first MOS transistor, and the control unit sets thefirst conductance by turning on the first MOS transistor, and sets thesecond conductance by turning on the second MOS transistor.[Fifth Mode]Preferably, the current control unit is configured by including an MOStransistor or a bipolar transistor, and the control unit switches thefirst conductance and the second conductance by varying a gate voltageof the MOS transistor or a base current of the bipolar transistor.[Sixth Mode]Preferably, the load is constituted from a plurality of power supplyregions, a switch is provided for each of the plurality of power supplyregions, and the control unit turns on the switch when the directcurrent power source and the load are in the conduction state.[Seventh Mode]Preferably, the semiconductor device includes: a plurality of thecurrent control units respectively associated with a plurality of thecapacitors disposed in parallel between the direct current power sourceand the load.[Eighth Mode]Preferably, the control unit changes a period during which the directcurrent power source and the load are in the conduction state, accordingto a capacitive load of the load.[Ninth Mode]Preferably, the control unit changes the period during ich the directcurrent power source and the load are in the conduction state, based onthe number of the power supply regions of the plurality of power supplyregions to be activated.[Tenth Mode]Preferably, the control unit determines the number of the capacitors tobe charged, according to the electrical characteristic of the load.[Eleventh Mode]Preferably, the first MOS transistor and the control unit are formed ona same semiconductor substrate.[Twelfth Mode]Preferably, at least one of the capacitor and the second MOS transistoris formed outside the semiconductor substrate.[Thirteenth Mode]Preferably, the semiconductor device includes: at least one of aterminal configured to connect the capacitor and a terminal configuredto control the second MOS transistor.[Fourteenth Mode]Preferably, the semiconductor device includes a voltage converterconfigured to convert a first voltage supplied, from the direct currentpower source to a second voltage, and the load receives one of the firstvoltage and the second voltage.[Fifteenth Mode]Preferably, the semiconductor device includes a first comparatorconfigured to output a result of comparison between the first voltageand a first reference voltage, and when the first voltage becomes lowerthan the first reference voltage, the control unit brings the directcurrent power source and the load into the conduction state, based on aresult of an output of the first comparator.[Sixteenth Mode]Preferably, the semiconductor device includes: a rectangular wavegeneration unit configured to generate from the first voltagerectangular wave with a predetermined cycle and supplies to the load athird voltage obtained by smoothing the rectangular wave; a secondcomparator configured to output a result of comparison between the thirdvoltage and a second reference voltage; and a rectangular wave controlunit configured to change the cycle of the rectangular wave, based on aresult of an output of the second comparator.[Seventeenth Mode]Preferably, the rectangular wave generation unit is configured byincluding a high-side switch connected to a first power supply lineconfigured to supply the first voltage and a low-side switch with oneend thereof connected to a ground potential, and the rectangular wavecontrol unit complementarily switches the high-side switch and thelow-side switch, thereby changing the cycle of the rectangular wave.[Eighteenth Mode]See the power supply control method of a semiconductor device accordingto the second aspect described above.[Nineteenth Mode]Preferably, the power supply control method of the semiconductor devicefurther includes: changing a period for charging the capacitor accordingto an electrical characteristic of the load.[Twentieth Mode]Preferably, the power supply control method of the semiconductor deviceincludes: when the load includes a plurality of power supply regions,changing the period for charging the capacitor based on the number ofthe power supply regions to be activated.[Twenty-First Mode]Preferably, the semiconductor device includes: a plurality of thecapacitors; and a plurality of the current control units respectivelyassociated with a plurality of the capacitors. Then, the power supplycontrol method includes determining the number of the capacitors of theplurality of the capacitors to be charged according to the electricalcharacteristic of the load.[Twenty-Second Mode]See the sensor node according to the third aspect described above.

Specific exemplary embodiments will be explained below in further detailwith reference to the drawings.

First Exemplary Embodiment

A first exemplary embodiment will be explained in more detail using thedrawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of asemiconductor device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. Referringto FIG. 2, modules related to the semiconductor device 1 according tothis exemplary embodiment will be described, for simplification.

The semiconductor device 1 receives power supply from an outside throughan input power supply terminal T01. A direct current power source 2supplies power to the semiconductor device 1 through a voltage converter3. The semiconductor device 1 further includes an external smoothingcapacitor connection terminal T02, and is connected to a capacitor 4through the external smoothing capacitor connection terminal T02. Thesemiconductor device 1 includes a plurality of power supply regions(power domains) in its inside.

Each power supply region is a region configured to operate based onpower to be supplied by a switch associated with the power supplyregion. That is, when a certain power supply region is activated, thepower is supplied to the power supply region by short-circuiting theswitch associated with the power supply region. On the other hand, whenthe power supply region is inactivated, the power to be supplied to thepower supply region is interrupted by opening the switch associated withthe power supply region. By appropriately inactivating the power supplyregion, transition to a sleep mode is made. Then, the semiconductordevice 1 activates the power supply region that has been inactivated ifneeded, thereby returning to an active mode.

In this exemplary embodiment, explanation will be given about reductionof currents (transient current and peak current) when the semiconductordevice 1 transitions from the sleep mode to the active mode.

The semiconductor device 1 is configured by including a plurality ofpower supply regions 101 to 10 n (n being a positive integer; the sameapplies hereinafter), a power supply control unit 20, a current controlunit 30, a control unit 40, and switches SW1 to SWn.

Functional modules for implementing functions of the semiconductordevice 1 are included in the power supply regions 101 to 10 n. A memorymodule, an AD (Analog/Digital) converter, and the like, for example,correspond to the functional modules. A same one of the power supplyregions is configured by including the functional module configured tooperate by same power. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of aninternal configuration of the power supply region 10 q (q being aninteger not less than 1 and not more than n). As shown in FIG. 3, eachpower supply region may include a plurality of the functional modules.Naturally, one power supply region may be configured by including onefunctional module. The power supply regions 101 to 10 n each serve as aload for the direct current power source 2 and the voltage converter 3.

The control unit 40 outputs a control signal to each of the power supplyregions 101 to 10 n and the power supply control unit 20. An internalpower supply line is wired inside the semiconductor device 1 and isconnected to the power supply regions 101 to 10 n. The current controlunit 30 is disposed between the internal power supply line and acapacitor connecting line extended from the external smoothing capacitorconnection terminal T02. The current control unit 30 is connected to thedirect power source 2 in parallel with the loads for the direct currentpower source 2, using the capacitor 4. The switches SW1 to SWn areconnected between the internal power supply line and the respectivepower supply regions 101 to 10 n.

The current control unit 30 is configured such that a conductance of thecurrent control unit 30 is variable. The current control unit 30 isconfigured by including P-channel MOS transistors P1 and P2. By turningon the P-channel MOS transistor P1, a current flows from the internalpower supply line to the capacitor connection line, thereby allowingcharging of the capacitor 4. On the other hand, when flowing a currentfrom the capacitor connection line to the internal power supply line todischarge the capacitor, the P-channel MOS transistors P1 and P2 areturned on. Herein, a driving capability of the P-channel MOS transistorP2 is designed to be higher than a driving capability of the P-channelMOS transistor P1 (the transistor having a higher driving capability isadopted). That is, the conductance of the current control unit 30 whencharging the capacitor 4 (hereinafter defined as a first conductance) isproportional to the driving capability of the P-channel MOS transistorP1, while the conductance of the current control unit 30 whendischarging the capacitor 4 (hereinafter defined as a secondconductance) is proportional to the driving capabilities of theP-channel MOS transistors P1 and P2. Herein, determination of each ofthe first conductance and the second conductance depends onspecifications of the direct current power source 2 and a capacitiveload of each of the power supply regions 101 to 10 n which serves as theload seen from the direct current power source 2. To take an example,the first conductance is reduced in order to reduce a peak of thecurrent that is generated when charging the capacitor 4. Alternatively,when the capacitive load of the load is high and it is necessary toinstantaneously supply much current from the capacitor 4, the secondconductance is increased. That is, it is desirable that the secondconductance be larger than the conductance of the direct current powersource. Referring to FIG. 2, the power supply control unit 20 and thecontrol unit 40 are described as different components. However,naturally, the control unit 40 may also perform an operation of thepower supply control unit 20.

When the semiconductor device 1 is in the active mode, power is suppliedto each of the power supply regions by short-circuiting a correspondingone of the switches SW1 to SWn. That is, when the power supply region(load seen from the direct current power source 2) is activated, thedirect current power source 2 and the load are conducted. On the otherhand, when the semiconductor device 1 is in the sleep mode, the powersupply to each power supply region is stopped by opening a correspondingone of the switches SW1 to SWn. That is, when the power supply region isinactivated, the direct current power source 2 and the load are not inthe conduction state. By stopping the power supply to each power supplyregion in the sleep mode, a leak current (standby current) within eachpower supply region is reduced. That is, power gating of thesemiconductor device 1 can be implemented.

The power supply control unit 20 switches the conductance of the currentcontrol unit 30, and switches (short-circuited or opened) states of theswitches SW1 to SWn, based on the control signal output by the controlunit 40.

Next, a description will be given about operations of the semiconductordevice 1 when the semiconductor device 1 transitions from the sleep modeto the active mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operations of thesemiconductor device 1.

In step S01, the control signal is output from the control unit 40 tothe power supply control unit 20. The control signal in this caseincludes an instruction for activating at least one of the power supplyregions 101 to 10 n.

In step S02, the power supply control unit 20 that has received thecontrol signal sets the current control unit 30 to the firstconductance. By setting the current control unit 30 to the firstconductance, a current flows from the internal power supply line to thecapacitor 4. Charging of the capacitor 4 is thereby started.

In step S03, the power supply control unit 20 waits for a lapse of apredetermined period from setting of the first conductance. It isassumed that the predetermined period in this case can be set in thepower supply control unit 20 by the control unit 40 as a periodnecessary for charging the capacitor 4. In that case, the predeterminedperiod (charging period of the capacitor 4) can be set in the powersupply control unit 20 by the control unit 40, according to theelectrical characteristic of the load. More specifically, when thecapacitive load of the at least one of the power supply regions to beactivated is high, it is necessary to charge the capacitor with manyelectric charges (to increase the charging period). Then, the controlunit 40 instructs charging for a long period to the power supply controlunit 20. On the other hand, when the capacitive load of the at least oneof the power supply regions to be activated is low, it is not necessaryto charge the capacitor 4 with so many electric charges (the chargingperiod may be short). In this case, the control unit 40 instructscharging for a short period to the power supply control unit 20.Alternatively, this predetermined period may be set to a predefinedperiod irrespective of the electrical characteristic of the load.

In step S04, the power supply control unit 20 sets the conductance ofthe current control unit 30 to the second conductance. By setting theconductance of the current control unit 30 to the second conductance inthis step, discharging efficiency of the capacitor 4 is enhanced.

In step S05, the power supply control unit 20 short-circuits the switch(one of the switches SW1 to SWn) connected to the at least one of thepower supply regions to be activated. By short-circuiting the switch,power supply to the at least one of the power supply regions is started.The at least one of the power supply regions is thereby activated(activation is started).

In step S06, the power supply control unit 20 turns off the P-channelMOS transistors P1 and P2 included in the current control unit 30 at atiming at which a current to be supplied to the at least one of thepower supply regions has been stabilized (timing at which the powersupply region has become a steady state).

Next, a description will be given about a relationship among a voltageof the capacitor 4 (hereinafter indicated by Vc), an input/outputcurrent of the capacitor 4 (hereinafter indicated by Ic), and an outputcurrent of the voltage converter 3 (hereinafter indicated by Iout) whenthe semiconductor device 1 transitions from the sleep mode to the activemode.

FIG. 5 includes graphs showing examples of the voltage and the currentswhen the semiconductor device 1 returns to the active mode.

It is assumed that in an initial state (before a time t01), theP-channel MOS transistors P1 and P2 are turned off and the capacitor 4is fully discharged by an internal leak. That is, in the initial state,the voltage Vc is 0V. The output current Iout of the voltage converter 3supplies a current of a given level to at least operate the powercontrol unit 20.

First, at the timing of the time t01, the power supply control unit 20sets the current control unit 30 to the first conductance, based on aninstruction of the control unit 40 (turns on the P-channel MOStransistor P1). When the P-channel MOS transistor P1 is turned on,charging of the capacitor 4 is started. In this case, the currentcontrol unit 30 is set to the first conductance. The first conductanceis set so that a current to be flown into the capacitor 4 at the time ofcharging assumes a value sufficiently lower than a maximum current valuespecified for the direct current power source 2. That is, significanceof reducing a peak current when activating the at least one of the powersupply regions is lost if the current to be generated by turning on theP-channel MOS transistor P1 exceeds the maximum current value specifiedfor the direct current power source 2.

The power supply control unit 20 sets the current control unit 30 to thesecond conductance after charging of the capacitor 4 has been completed(at a time t02). When the charging is completed, the voltage Vc of thecapacitor 4 equals to a power supply voltage Vdd of the semiconductordevice 1. At a time t03, the power supply control unit 20 short-circuitsthe switch associated with the at least one of the power supply regionsto be activated.

At this point, an internal voltage of the at least one of the powersupply regions is raised from a ground potential to the power supplyvoltage Vdd. As a result, the current value of a transient currentincreases. However, the transient current in the semiconductor device 1according to this exemplary embodiment is supplied from both of thedirect current power source 2 and the capacitor 4, and most of thetransient current is supplied from the capacitor 4. It is because thesecond conductance of the current control unit 30 is set to besufficiently larger than the conductance of each of the direct powersource and the voltage converter 3. That is, a transistor having asufficiently high driving capability (e.g., with a high ratio of achannel width to a channel length) is adopted as the P-channel MOStransistor P2. By supplying the most of the transient current in thesemiconductor device 1 from the capacitor 4, the peak current in thedirect current power source 2 can be reduced (the output current maximumvalue can be reduced).

Referring to FIG. 5, the maximum value of the transient current in thesemiconductor device 1 is indicated by Ip1. On the other hand, themaximum value of a transient current when current supply is not providedfrom the capacitor 4 is indicated by Ip2. Comparison between the maximumvalues IP1 and IP2 of the transient currents shows that the maximumvalue of the output current Iout of the direct current power source 2 isreduced.

The description was given about charging of the capacitor 4 to beperformed in the semiconductor device 1 according to this exemplaryembodiment when the at least one of the power supply regions wasactivated. The charging of the capacitor 4, however, can also beperformed before activation of the at least one of the power supplyregions. In that case, the P-channel MOS transistor P1 is not turned offin step S06 in FIG. 4 and conduction of the P-channel MOS transistor P1is maintained. By charging the capacitor 4 in advance, activation ofeach power supply region can be sped up.

The description was given about the configuration in which the capacitor4 was connected to the outside of the semiconductor device 1 in thesemiconductor device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. Thepresent disclosure is not, however, limited to such connection. Thecapacitor 4 may be included inside the semiconductor device 1.

Further, the description was given about a case where the plurality ofpower supply regions were included. However, naturally, the number ofthe power supply regions to be included in the semiconductor device 1may be one. Further, the description was given about a case where one ofthe plurality of power supply regions 101 to 10 n was activated, byusing the flowchart in FIG. 4. However, the present disclosure is notlimited to activation of one power supply region, and a plurality of thepower supply regions can also be activated. In this case, the controlunit 40 can instruct the power supply control unit 20 to change thecharging period of the capacitor 4 according to the number of the powersupply regions to be activated. More specifically, a relationshipbetween the number of the power supply regions to be activated and thecharging period necessary for the activation is determined in advance.Then, the control unit 40 notifies the charging period to the powersupply unit 20. Alternatively, it can be so arranged that the chargingperiod is notified to the power supply control unit 20 from the controlunit 40 by referring to a lookup table in which a combination of thepower supply regions to be activated and the charging period associatedwith that combination are specified.

Further, the description was given about the configuration in FIG. 2including one capacitor 4 and the current control unit 30 associatedwith the capacitor 4. However, a plurality of the capacitors may beconnected to the semiconductor device 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of acurrent control unit 31. Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of capacitors401 to 40 r (r being a positive integer; the same applies hereinafter)is connected to the semiconductor device. The current control unit 31includes P-channel MOS transistors P11 to P1 r and P-channel MOStransistors P21 to P2 r associated with this plurality of capacitors 401to 40 r. The P-channel MOS transistors P11 to P1 r each implement thefirst conductance. The P-channel MOS transistors P21 to P2 r eachimplement the second conductance. That is, the current control unit isprovided, being associated with each of the capacitors connected to thesemiconductor device. Further, the current control unit 31 includes aP-channel MOS transistor Plimit connected in common to each source ofthe P-channel MOS transistors P11 to P1 r. A gate of the P-channel MOStransistor Plimit receives a charging current limit signal Vlimit. Thecharging current limit signal Vlimit is output by the power supplycontrol unit (not shown in FIG. 6).

When the plurality of capacitors 401 to 40 r are to be simultaneouslycharged, a peak current to be supplied from the direct current powersource 2 may increase. A driving capability of the P-channel MOStransistor Plimit is then appropriately selected. Then, when theplurality of capacitors 401 to 40 r are charged, the P-channel MOStransistor Plimit is turned on. An upper limit is thereby provided tothe sum of currents that will flow when charging is performed. As aresult, even if the plurality of capacitors have been simultaneouslycharged, an excessive peak current flow can be prevented.

When the plurality of capacitors 401 to 40 r are connected to thesemiconductor device 1, the capacitors to be charged or discharged maybe selected according the electrical characteristic of each of the powersupply regions 101 to 10 n (electrical characteristic of the load), thenumber of the power supply regions to be activated, and the like. Whenthe circuit with a high load is activated, for example, an approach toperform charging or discharging using a lot of the capacitors can betaken. More specifically, the number of the capacitors to be charged canbe determined according to the capacitive load of the load. When thenumber of the capacitors to be charged is determined, the value ofcapacitance formed of the plurality of capacitors is determined. Assumethat the capacitance value of the capacitors is determined. Then, thevalue of a current that can be supplied from the direct current powersource 2 (sum of charging currents) at a time of charging can be graspedusing the driving capability of the P-channel MOS transistor Plimit.Thus, a period needed for the charging can be determined.

Further, it can be so arranged that in the sleep mode, the capacitor 4is charged in advance, and a mode (halt mode) in which power consumptionis further lower than that in this sleep mode can also be set. In such amode using the lower power consumption, the capacitor 4 is not chargedin advance, thereby allowing more reduction of a leak current of thecapacitor 4.

Patent Literatures 1 and 2 each disclose a technology for reducing powerconsumption using the order of activating each module rather than atechnology for reducing a peak current itself when each module isactivated. When an output current peak is excessively limited, a voltageto be supplied to each module from a direct current power source fallsshort (which is a so-called brownout state), so that activation of eachmodule may also be delayed. Further, in the technology disclosed inPatent Literature 3, a current value is not taken into considerationwhen the capacitor is charged or discharged. Thus, when the capacitor ischarged, a peak current that will adversely affect the direct currentpower source may flow. On the other hand, when the capacitor isdischarged, a current that is sufficient to reduce the peak current ofthe direct current power source may not be able to be suppliedinstantaneously. Accordingly, even with the technologies disclosed inPatent Literatures 1 to 3, a semiconductor device cannot be obtained inwhich the peak current of a current to be supplied from the directcurrent power source is reduced while reducing power consumption.

On the other hand, the capacitor 4 can be connected to the semiconductordevice 1 according to this exemplary embodiment. Charging anddischarging of the capacitor 4 are controlled by using the currentcontrol unit 30. When each power supply region is activated, the powersupply control unit 20 included in the semiconductor device 1 turns onthe P-channel MOS transistor P1, thereby charging the capacitor 4 whilereducing a current that will flow into the capacitor 4. Further, thepower supply control unit 20 turns on the P-channel MOS transistor P2,thereby producing a state suited for discharging of the capacitor 4.Then, the power supply region is activated. As a result, most of acurrent necessary for activating the power supply region can be suppliedfrom the capacitor 4. Thus, deterioration of the direct current powersource 2 can be suppressed.

EXAMPLE

Next, a semiconductor device suitable for use for a sensor node will bedescribed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of asemiconductor device 1 a. Same reference signs are assigned tocomponents that are the same as those in FIG. 2, thereby omittingdescription of the components that are the same as those in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 7, a lithium primary battery 2 a corresponds to thedirect current source 2, a switching regulator 3 a corresponds to thevoltage converter 3, a power supply controller 21 corresponds to thepower supply control unit 20, a CPU 41 corresponds to the control unit40, and the switches SW1 to SWn respectively correspond to P-channel MOStransistors P3 to Pm (m being an integer of three or more; the sameapplies hereinafter).

The sensor node is required to be compact as well as to consume lowpower. For that reason, a lithium primary battery that is a compactbattery with low self-discharge is often used as a direct current powersource.

Preferably, the switching regulator 3 a with good conversion efficiencyis used as the voltage converter 3. A power supply voltage Vdd of thesemiconductor device 1 a is 1.2V or less. Conversion from a batteryvoltage of the lithium primary battery 2 a to the power supply voltageVdd is performed by the switching regulator 3 a. Accordingly, it ispreferable that the switching regulator 3 a be connected in seriesbetween the input power supply terminal T01 of the semiconductor device1 a and the lithium primary battery 2 a.

Preferably, the semiconductor device 1 a used for the sensor nodeincludes an SRAM (Static RAM) memory, a NAND-type flash memory, an ADconverter, a timer module, a communication module, and so forth asfunctional modules, in addition to the CPU 41 and the power supplycontroller 21. In addition, a bus controller 50 configured to transferdata and an instruction between the CPU 41 and each functional module isincluded in the semiconductor device 1 a. Each of these functionalmodules is disposed in one of the power supply regions 101 to 10 n,according to the characteristic of the functional module.

It can be assumed that when using the sensor node, the maximum value ofa peak current to be supplied is on the order of 100 mA when the powersupply voltage is 1V. Further, when a maximum discharge continuationperiod is set to 1 μs, a necessary electric charge amount can becomputed to be 1E⁻⁷ C. Preferably, the capacitance value of thecapacitor 4 is 10 μF or more when voltage reduction up to 10% afterdischarging of the capacitor is permitted. Further, it is preferablethat this capacitor 4 be a multi-layer ceramic capacitor having a lowequivalent series resistance (ESR). Alternatively, pairs of the switchesand the capacitors may be divided into a plurality of groups, and thenthe number of the capacitors for use may be determined according to themaximum current that is needed. A configuration may also be employed inwhich a plurality of the capacitors are connected in parallel so as toreduce the ESR. Alternatively, capacitors of different types may beconnected in parallel to reduce the equivalent series resistance.Herein, it is preferable that a current driving capability of thecapacitor 4 be set to at least 100 mA.

A field-effect transistor (FET) or a bipolar transistor can be used foreach of the switches SW1 to SWn. When the field-effect transistor isused, it is preferable that a P-channel MOS transistor be used so as toefficiently flow a current in the vicinity of the power supply voltageVdd. In that case, a source of the P-channel MOS transistor is connectedto an internal power supply line, and a drain of the P-channel MOStransistor is connected to each power supply region. Further, a signalto be output from the power supply controller 21 is received at a gateof the P-channel MOS transistor, and the source and the drain of theP-channel MOS transistor are opened or short-circuited. The abovedescription does not mean that the field-effect transistors to be usedfor the switches SW1 to SWn are not limited to the P-channel MOStransistors. N-channel MOS transistors can also be used for the switchesSW1 to SWn. By applying a high voltage to a gate of each of highbreakdown voltage N-channel MOS transistors, the N-channel MOStransistors can also be used for the switches SW1 to SWn. In that case,a voltage to be supplied to the power supply controller 21 is set to behigher than a voltage of the internal power supply line (source voltageof each N-channel MOS transistor). The two different voltages may besupplied from an outside of the semiconductor device 1 a. Alternatively,the low voltage may be generated from the high voltage. When bipolartransistors are used, it is preferable that a configuration using pnptransistors be employed. A configuration using npn transistors may alsobe employed.

It may also be so configured that when the semiconductor device aincludes a timer (not shown), an interrupt signal can be generated bythe timer, and this interrupt signal is received by the power supplycontroller 21 to activate the CPU 41.

By using the semiconductor device 1 a to be disclosed in this examplefor the sensor node, power consumption of the sensor node can bereduced, and a peak current can be reduced. As a result, the servicelife of the direct current source (primary battery or a secondarybattery) can be prolonged, and an operation period of the sensor nodecan be extended. That is, maintenance cost for the sensor node can bereduced. Preferably, the semiconductor device 1 a to be used for thesensor node has one of the above-mentioned configurations. However, thesemiconductor device 1 a is not of course limited to theseconfigurations.

First Variation Example

Next, a variation example of the semiconductor device 1 according to thefirst exemplary embodiment will be described.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of asemiconductor device 1 b. Referring to FIG. 8, same reference signs areassigned to components that are the same as those in FIG. 2, therebyomitting description of the components that are the same as those inFIG. 2. The semiconductor device 1 b is different from the semiconductordevice 1 in a configuration of a current control unit 30 a. The currentcontrol unit 30 a is formed of a P-channel MOS transistor Pt. A powersupply control unit 20 a varies a gate voltage to be applied to a gateof the P-channel MOS transistor Pt, thereby setting the current controlunit 30 a to a first conductance or a second conductance. Morespecifically, when the capacitor 4 is charged, the gate voltage is setto be low. On the other hand, when the capacitor 4 is discharged, thegate voltage is set to be high. A bipolar transistor can also be used.In that case, by switching a voltage to be applied to a base of thebipolar transistor, a conductance is changed.

Also by using the current control unit 30 a shown in FIG. 8, a peakcurrent of the direct current power source 2 can be reduced, so thatdeterioration of the direct current power source 2 can be suppressed.

Second Variation Example

Next, a second variation example will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of asemiconductor device 1 c. Referring to FIG. 9, same reference signs areassigned to components that are the same as those in FIG. 2, therebyomitting description of the components that are the same as those inFIG. 2. The semiconductor device 1 c is different from the semiconductordevice 1 in provision of the P-channel MOS transistor P2 outside thesemiconductor device 1 c. In order to achieve that purpose, a controlterminal of the P-channel MOS transistor P2 provided outside thesemiconductor device 1 c is newly provided for the semiconductor device1 c.

The power supply control unit 20 included in the semiconductor device 1c controls the P-channel MOS transistor P2 through this controlterminal.

As described above, it is necessary that a conductance of the currentcontrol unit 30 be large in order to enhance discharging efficiency ofthe capacitor 4. That is, a driving capability of the P-channel MOStransistor P2 needs to be high, so that the size of the P-channel MOStransistor P2 is large. For that reason, it is preferable that such alarge transistor be disposed outside the semiconductor device 1 c (andis not formed on a same semiconductor substrate on which the powersupply control unit 20 and the control unit 40 are disposed). Thisarrangement is made because, when such a transistor is to be disposedinside the semiconductor device 1 c, an increase in the chip size and anincrease the cost of the semiconductor device 1 are caused. Further, byusing the P-channel MOS transistor P2 disposed outside the semiconductor1 c, influence to be caused by heat generation can be eliminated. Thisvariation example is suitable particularly when a transient currentnecessary for activating each power supply region is large.

On the other hand, with regard to the P-channel MOS transistor P1, it ispreferable that the P-channel MOS transistor P1 be disposed inside thesemiconductor device 1 c (the P-channel MOS transistor P1 is disposed onthe same semiconductor substrate on which the power supply control unit20 and the control unit 40 are disposed). The P-channel MOS transistorP1 is disposed inside the semiconductor device 1 c because, though afirst conductance is determined by a driving capability of the P-channelMOS transistor P1, it is not desirable for a user of the semiconductordevice 1 c to change this first conductance. When the first conductanceis too small, a long period becomes necessary for charging the capacitor4. When the first conductance is too large, a large current that doesnot comply with specifications required for the direct current powersource 2 may flow. Accordingly, it is preferable that the developmentmanufacturer of the semiconductor device 1 c determines an optimal valuefor the first conductance and do not permit the change of the firstconductance by the user. Further, the driving capability of theP-channel MOS transistor P1 does not need to be so high, and the size ofthe P-channel MOS transistor P1 is also small. Thus, even if theP-channel MOS transistor P1 has been disposed inside the semiconductordevice 1 c, an increase in the chip size and an increase in the cost ofthe semiconductor device 1 c are not caused.

Third Variation Example

Next, a third variation example will be explained.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration ofa semiconductor device 1 d. Referring to FIG. 10, same reference signsare assigned to components that are the same as those in FIG. 2, therebyomitting description of the components that are the same as those inFIG. 2.

The semiconductor device 1 d includes a configuration capable ofsupplying power to an external power supply region as well. Thesemiconductor device 1 d includes at least one external voltage supplyterminal for supplying power to a corresponding one of external powersupply regions 201 to 20 k (k being a positive integer; the same applieshereinafter).

A sensor module including a sensor configured to obtain environmentalinformation and a sensor module configured to achieve wirelesscommunication are to be disposed in the external power supply regions.Naturally, components to be disposed in the external power supplyregions are not limited to these sensor modules.

Referring to FIG. 10, one external power supply region is connected toone external voltage supply terminal. A plurality of the external powersupply regions may be, however, connected to one external voltage supplyterminal (the plurality of the external power supply regions may sharethe one external voltage supply terminal).

The semiconductor device 1 d further includes switches SW21 to SW2 kassociated with the respective external voltage supply terminals. Eachof the switches SW21 to SW2 k is disposed between an internal powersupply line and a line extended from the external voltage supplyterminal.

A power supply control unit 22 can control opening or short-circuitingof the switches SW21 to SW2 k. When operations of the external powersupply regions are not needed, the power supply control unit 22 opensthese switches, thereby stopping power supply to each external powersupply region and reducing a leak current to be generated in theexternal power supply region.

Electrical characteristics of the power supply regions 101 to 10 n thatare present inside the semiconductor device 1 d are different fromelectrical characteristics of the external power supply regions 201 to20 k. That is, a capacitive load of each external power supply region ishigher than that of each power supply region that is present inside thesemiconductor device 1 d. For that reason, it is necessary that acharging period of the capacitor 4 necessary for activating each of theexternal power supply regions 201 to 20 k be set to be longer than acharging period of the capacitor 4 necessary for activating each of thepower supply regions 101 to 10 n inside the semiconductor device 1 d.That is, the electrical characteristic of the load differs according toa case where the power supply region to be activated is present insidethe semiconductor device 1 d and a case where the power supply region tobe activated is present outside the semiconductor device 1 d. Thus, thecontrol unit 40 needs to instruct the charging period suited to theelectrical characteristic of the load.

The electrical characteristic of each of the power supply regions 101 to10 n that are present inside the semiconductor device 1 d can be graspedin advance. Thus, it is possible to compute an optical charging periodin advance based on a combination of the power supply regions to beactivated or the like. With regard to each external power supply region,however, it is not known what circuit is to be connected to thesemiconductor device 1 d. Then, a user of the semiconductor device 1 dcan grasp the electrical characteristic of the power supply region to beconnected to the semiconductor device 1 d, and then can set the chargingperiod of the capacitor 4, based on content of the electricalcharacteristic.

Alternatively, when the control unit 40 recognizes connection of theexternal power supply region, the control unit 40 itself may measure theelectrical characteristic of the connected external power supply region.More specifically, the load of the external power supply region isvaried by the control unit 40, and the control unit 40 measures theelectrical characteristic (capacitive load) of the external power supplyregion based on a variation of a current supplied from the directcurrent power source on that occasion. The control unit 40 determinesthe charging period of the capacitor 4, based on the measured electricalcharacteristic. Since a control procedure when activating the externalpower supply region does not differ from the explanation using theflowchart in FIG. 4, further explanation will be omitted.

By controlling power supply to each external power supply region by acorresponding one of the switches SW21 to SW2 k provided at thesemiconductor device 1 d, a peak current to be caused by activation ofthe external power supply region as well as a peak current of thesemiconductor device 1 d can be reduced. Accordingly, deterioration ofthe direct current power source can be suppressed.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

Next, a second exemplary embodiment will be described in detail withreference to the drawing.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration ofa semiconductor device 5 according to this exemplary embodiment.Referring to FIG. 11, same reference signs are assigned to componentsthat are the same as those in FIG. 2, thereby omitting description ofthe components that are the same as those in FIG. 2. The semiconductordevice 5 is different from the semiconductor device 1 in provision of acomparator CMP1.

The comparator CMP1 included in the semiconductor device 5 compares aninternal voltage supplied from an internal power supply line and areference voltage, and outputs a result of the comparison to a powersupply control unit 23. It is assumed that the reference voltage isgenerated in an inside (including an inside of the power supply controlunit 23) of the semiconductor device 5, and that the reference voltageis a voltage corresponding to a power supply voltage Vdd of thesemiconductor device 5 or an operation guarantee minimum voltage (on theorder of 0.9 times of the power supply voltage Vdd) of each module.

Even if the semiconductor device 5 is in an active mode, the powersupply control unit 23 maintains conduction of the P-channel MOStransistor P1. Concurrently, the power supply control unit 23 monitorsan output of the comparator CMP1. When the internal voltage falls belowthe reference voltage in that case, the power supply control unit 23turns on the P-channel MOS transistor P2. By turning on of the P-channelMOS transistor P2, a current can be supplied from the capacitor 4 andthe internal voltage can be matched to the reference voltage. Thefollowing arrangement can also be made. That is, when a voltage belowthe above-mentioned reference voltage is confirmed at a time ofactivating a module, the history is recorded in means such as theabove-mentioned look-up table. Then, control can be so performed that ata subsequent time of activating the module, a current is supplied fromthe capacitor 4 in advance.

In this manner, the semiconductor device 5 can also reduce a transientcurrent that will abruptly flow when each power supply region isoperated as well as when the power supply region is activated.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

Next, a third exemplary embodiment will be described in detail withreference to the drawing.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an internal configuration ofa semiconductor device 6. Referring to FIG. 12, same reference signs areassigned to components that are the same as those in FIGS. 10 and 11,thereby omitting description of the components that are the same asthose in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The semiconductor device 6 converts a voltage supplied from the voltageconverter 3 to a different voltage value, for supply to a power supplyregion inside the semiconductor device 6. Further, the semiconductordevice 6 generates from the voltage supplied from the voltage converter3 an external supply voltage to be supplied to an external power supplyregion, and supplies the generated voltage to the external power supplyregion. That is, the voltage to be supplied to the internal power supplyregion and the voltage to be supplied to the external power supplyregion are voltages that are different to each other.

The semiconductor device 6 is configured by further including aninternal voltage converter 60, an external power supply control unit 70,a gate driver 80, a P-channel MOS transistor P31, an N-channel MOStransistor N1, a diode D1, and a comparator CMP2.

The internal voltage converter 60 converts the voltage supplied from aninternal power supply line and then supplies the converted voltage toeach of the power supply regions 101 to 10 n.

Drains of the P-channel MOS transistor P31 (high-side switch) and theN-channel MOS transistor N1 (low-side switch) are connected in common toeach other, and are connected to a rectangular wave output terminal T03.An external voltage supply line is connected to a set potential throughthe diode D1.

By complementarily turning on and off gates of the P-channel MOStransistor P31 and the N-channel MOS transistor N1, a rectangular waveis output from the rectangular wave output terminal T03. The rectangularwave output terminal T03 is connected to one end of a coil 7 disposedoutside the semiconductor device 6. Further, the other end of the coil 7and a capacitor 8 are connected, so that the coil 7 and capacitor 8 forma low-pass filter. The low-pass filter smoothes a voltage output fromthe rectangular wave output terminal T03.

An output of the low-pass filter (hereinafter referred to as an externalvoltage reference voltage) is connected to an external voltage referenceterminal T04 of the semiconductor device 6. The comparator CMP2 and theexternal voltage reference terminal T04 are connected through anexternal voltage reference line. The external voltage reference voltageand a reference voltage generated by the external power supply controlunit 70 are supplied to the comparator CMP2, and a result of comparisonbetween both of the external voltage reference voltage and the referencevoltage is output to the external power supply control unit 70. Theexternal power supply control unit 70 receives an external power supplyenabling signal EN and an external voltage instruction signal Vcontoutput by a power supply control unit 24.

The external power supply control unit 70 generates the referencevoltage to be supplied to the comparator CMP2, based on the externalvoltage instruction signal Vcont. The external power supply control unit70 corresponds to a unit configured to control the above-mentionedrectangular wave. The external power supply control unit 70 specifies acycle of complementarily turning on and off the P-channel MOS transistorP31 and the N-channel MOS transistor N1 (determines a duty ratio) forthe gate driver 80, based on the external voltage instruction signalVcont. The gate driver 80 corresponds to a unit configured to generatethe above-mentioned rectangular wave.

The external power supply control unit 70 generates a control signal forthe gate driver 80 so that the external voltage reference voltagematches the reference voltage, based on the result of comparison outputby the comparator CMP2. That is, the external power supply control unit70 performs feedback control so that the external voltage referencevoltage and the reference voltage match. The external voltage referencevoltage thus generated is supplied to each the external power supplyregions 201 to 20 k through a corresponding one of the switches SW21 toSW2 k. A control procedure when activating the external power supplyregion does not differ from the explanation using the flowchart in FIG.4. Thus, further explanation will be omitted.

As described above, the semiconductor device 6 can supply to eachexternal power supply region the voltage different from the power supplyvoltage to be used by the internal power supply region. Further, thepower supply voltage to be supplied to the external power supply regioncan be specified by the control unit 40. Thus, a change inspecifications of each external power supply region (such as a change inthe power supply voltage) can be flexibly accommodated.

Each disclosure of the above-listed Patent Literatures is incorporatedherein by reference. Modification and adjustment of each exemplaryembodiment and each example are possible within the scope of the overalldisclosure (including the claims) of the present invention and based onthe basic technical concept of the present invention. Variouscombinations and selections of various disclosed elements (includingeach element in each claim, each element in each exemplary embodimentand each example, each element in each drawing, and the like) arepossible within the scope of the claims of the present invention. Thatis, the present invention naturally includes various variations andmodifications that could be made by those skilled in the art accordingto the overall disclosure including the claims and the technicalconcept. With respect to a numerical value range described herein, anarbitrary numerical value and a small range included in the numericalvalue range should be construed to be specifically described even unlessotherwise explicitly described.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1, 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 5, 6, 300 semiconductor device-   2 direct current power source-   2 a lithium primary battery-   3 voltage converter-   3 a switching regulator-   4, 8, 401˜40 r capacitor-   7 coil-   20, 20 a, 22, 23, 24 power supply control unit-   21 power supply controller-   30, 30 a, 31, 301 current control unit-   40, 302 control unit-   41 CPU-   50 bus controller-   60 internal voltage converter-   70 external power supply controller-   80 gate driver-   101˜10 n, 10 q power supply region-   201˜20 k external power supply region-   CMP1, CMP2 comparator-   D1 diode-   N1 N-channel MOS transistor-   P1˜Pm, P11˜P1 r, P21˜P2 r, P31,-   Pt Plimit P-channel MOS transistor-   SW1˜SWn, SW21˜SW2 k, SWq switch

The invention claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor device, comprising: acurrent control unit whose conductance is variable; and a control unitconfigured to control the conductance of the current control unit,wherein, the current control unit is connected to a direct current powersource in parallel with a load for the direct current power source,through a capacitor, the control unit sets the current control unit to afirst conductance when the direct current power source and the load arenot in a conduction state, the control unit sets the current controlunit to a second conductance larger than the first conductance when thedirect current power source and the load are in the conduction state,and the control unit changes control over the current control unitaccording to an electrical characteristic of the load.
 2. Thesemiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein the secondconductance is larger than a conductance of the direct current powersource.
 3. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, wherein thecurrent control unit is configured by including a first MOS transistorand a second MOS transistor having a diving capability higher than thefirst MOS transistor; and the control unit sets the first conductance byturning on the first MOS transistor, and sets the second conductance byturning on the second MOS transistor.
 4. The semiconductor deviceaccording to claim 3, wherein the first MOS transistor and the controlunit are formed on a same semiconductor substrate.
 5. The semiconductordevice according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the capacitor andthe second MOS transistor is formed outside the semiconductor substrate.6. The semiconductor device according to claim 5, including: at leastone of a terminal configured to connect the capacitor and a terminalconfigured to control the second MOS transistor.
 7. The semiconductordevice according to claim 1, wherein the current control unit isconfigured by including an MOS transistor or a bipolar transistor; andthe control unit switches the first conductance and the secondconductance by varying a gate voltage of the MOS transistor or a basecurrent of the bipolar transistor.
 8. The semiconductor device accordingto claim 1, wherein the load is constituted from a plurality of powersupply regions, and a switch is provided for each of the plurality ofpower supply regions; and the control unit turns on the switch when thedirect current power source and the load are in the conduction state. 9.The semiconductor device according to claim 8, wherein the control unitdetermines a time to charge the capacitor, based on a number of thepower supply regions of the plurality of power supply regions to beactivated.
 10. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, whereinthe semiconductor device includes a voltage converter configured toconvert a first voltage supplied from the direct current power source toa second voltage; and the load receives one of the first voltage and thesecond voltage.
 11. The semiconductor device according to claim 10,wherein the semiconductor device includes: a first comparator configuredto output a result of comparison between the second voltage and a firstreference voltage; and when the first voltage becomes lower than thefirst reference voltage, the control unit sets the current control unitto the second conductance, based on a result of an output of the firstcomparator.
 12. The semiconductor device according to claim 10,including: a rectangular wave generation unit configured to generatefrom the first voltage a rectangular wave with a predetermined cycle andsupplies to the load a third voltage obtained by smoothing therectangular wave; a second comparator configured to output a result ofcomparison between the third voltage and a second reference voltage; anda rectangular wave control unit configured to change the cycle of therectangular wave, based on a result of an output of the secondcomparator.
 13. The semiconductor device according to claim 12, whereinthe rectangular wave generation unit is configured by including ahigh-side switch connected to a first power supply line configured tosupply the first voltage and a low-side switch with one end thereofconnected to a ground potential; and the rectangular wave control unitcomplementarily switches the high-side switch and the low-side switch,thereby changing the cycle of the rectangular wave.
 14. A sensor nodecomprising: the semiconductor device according to claim 1; a directcurrent power source; a voltage converter configured to convert avoltage output by the direct current power source and supply theconverted voltage to the semiconductor device; and a sensor moduleincluding a sensor configured to detect an external environmentalcondition.
 15. A semiconductor device, comprising: a current controlunit whose conductance is variable; a control unit configured to controlthe conductance of the current control unit, wherein the current controlunit is connected to a direct current power source in parallel with aload for the direct current power source, through a capacitor, thecontrol unit sets the current control unit to a first conductance whenthe direct current power source and the load are not in a conductionstate, and the control unit sets the current control unit to a secondconductance larger than the first conductance when the direct currentpower source and the load are in the conduction state; and a pluralityof the current control units respectively associated with a plurality ofthe capacitors disposed in parallel between the direct current powersource and the load.
 16. The semiconductor device according to claim 15,wherein the control unit determines a number of capacitors to be chargedout of the plurality of the capacitors, according to a capacitive loadof the load.
 17. The semiconductor device according to claim 15, whereinthe control unit determines a number of the capacitors to be charged,according to the electrical characteristic of the load.
 18. A powersupply control method of a semiconductor device comprising a currentcontrol unit connected to a direct current power source in parallel witha load for the direct current source, through a capacitor, a conductanceof the current control unit being variable, the power supply controlmethod comprising: setting the current control unit to a firstconductance, thereby starting charging of the capacitor; setting thecurrent control unit to a second conductance larger than the firstconductance when the direct current source and the load are conducted,thereby starting discharging of the capacitor, wherein, thesemiconductor device includes: a plurality of the capacitors, and aplurality of the current control units respectively associated with theplurality of the capacitors, and the power supply control methodincludes: determining a number of the capacitors of the plurality of thecapacitors to be charged according to the electrical characteristic ofthe load.
 19. The power supply control method of the semiconductordevice according to claim 18, further including: changing a period forcharging the capacitor according to an electrical characteristic of theload.
 20. The power supply control method of the semiconductor deviceaccording to claim 18, including: when the load includes a plurality ofpower supply regions, changing the period for charging the capacitorbased on a number of the power supply regions to be activated.